A study by the website Managing Your HR looked at 600 employees and found that 85 percent would be happy to receive $100 or less, while 61 percent would be satisfied with just $25.

Most of those in the study -- 69 percent -- said they didn't expect any bonus, but that a holiday incentive would make them feel "either appreciated, motivated to work harder, or more loyal to the company."

The study also said that employees dislike gift cards for particular stores. Instead, they'd much prefer Visa or MasterCard prepaid cards that would be accepted at multiple retailers.